by Roxanne -

Closet Check

This year has been a practice in living with less, living more simply and simple living. To that end I have resolved not to purchase new clothing, to use what I have and to pass along clothing I don’t use.

When so many have so little, how much is enough? I have lightened my load. Still, there is always more to cull through. Nevertheless, the clothes I have now seem to work well, work together and fit my lifestyle. Everything fits easily into my closet, but how much is enough? How much is too much?

In Minnesota we layer clothing. Therefore, my wardrobe consists mainly of T-shirts, a few shirts and sweaters. Everything can be layered. Take a look –

The left side of the closet holds yoga pants, slacks and jeans. Summer curtains are stored on the shelf above.

Overhead, on the right, a few sweaters and cotton turtlenecks are stacked on the shelf. How much is enough?

A chest of drawers holds underwear, PJ’s, socks, scarves and seasonal items like swimsuits and flannel-lined jeans (yes, I actually use/need them on super cold days). Is this too much?

Meanwhile, the process of evaluating what I actually need vs. what I actually have continues. Hopefully, yet more items will be passed along to others who need them. And then I will have enough.

You may also like Easy Summer Travel Wardrobe, The Richness of Simplicity, and Challenge: A Year Without Buying Clothes.

by Roxanne -

Back Door Makeover

We use the back door most often to leave and enter our home. Shouldn’t it be as welcoming as the front door? I think so. The Doors of Dublin inspired me.

Because the back door connects to the garage this area is shaded and dark. A bright color that can handle the low light is in order. We decided to go with a bright coral color. It reads as a “fire engine red” in the darker light. A coral color in a high gloss paint will also accent the brass kick-plate and door handle.

Here’s the door as I was painting it.

And here’s the after, complete with brass numbers.

Now  it cheers me up every time I walk through this door. A nice spot to come home to. Oohh, wouldn’t I love to do this with our front door. Maybe we could start a trend in our neighborhood?

You may also like Doors of Dublin, Romantic Entry Before & After and Romantic Kitchen Before & After.

by Roxanne -

Summer Bedroom

Yes, well this is Minnesota afterall. We’ve only recently had to pack away the down comforter on our bed. As summer unfolds, lighter matelassé bedding feels wonderfully cool on warm summer nights.

Photo R. Meshar

It’s simple but it works for us.

You may also like Isn’t it Romantic?, Romantic Bedroom Before & After and Romantic Porch Inspiration.

 

 

by Roxanne -

Patio Zen Garden

The truth is that I don’t enjoy gardening that much. But I’ve learned that it doesn’t take a lot of effort to make an attractive small patio garden. A chair or two, a few colorful plants in various containers, or maybe just a large clay pot with herbs.

Photo EHow.com
Photo Sunset.com

 

Photo Apt. Therapy Water Garden

Above, a planter with water plants and a few terracotta pots create an enchanting summer space.

Last year DH made a simply designed 3-square-foot raised garden. We planted greens, peppers, tomatoes and herbs. The bare wood design gives it an Asian zen-like appearance. It also provides some privacy on one side of our patio.

This year we continued the Zen theme. Our patio is a small space that is partially shaded by the deck above. A few carefully placed pots of flowers and herbs bring color, scent and texture – not only to the patio, but into the living room as well. Viewed from the inside, it feels like a secret garden.

Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar

Use bricks, stones and upside down pots, seen above, to create texture and varied heights. I like our mix of perenial hostas, junipers and flower shrubs. These were already planted and return each year on their own.

DH, who enjoys gardening, selected the vegetables for the 3-foot square planter. This year we have three varieties of tomatoes, peppers of various kinds, onions and carrots.

My part consists of selecting attractive flowers and herbs in two large pots. I go for color, scent, texture and varied height. Some years are better than others.

Now add a hurricane candle for evening atmosphere. Mix with iced tea, sit back and watch the sun set.

You may also like Small Space Living – Boat Style, Citron Presse and Homemade Ginger Ale.

by Roxanne -

Romantic Porch Inspiration

We have a room that needs some TLC. However, like every room in our home, this room has many functions. It is mainly an office for DH. Occasionally it serves as a quiet reading room. Now I would like it to function as a front porch as well.

Here are some inspiration pictures of light, bright work spaces.

Photo OfficeDecordir.com
Photo OfficeBlog.Americanchic.net
Photo OfficeEhomee.com
Photo OfficeFopple.com
Photo OfficeHousedesignet.com

These pictures are useful because they are in small spaces, using a lot of white with some shots of color for interest. For the most part they can all accomodate more than one function in the room. Lastly, they are casual so could easily blend with a summery or “porch” feel.

Photo CountryLiving.com

Do you have a porch? Porches remind me of summer. I like the idea of a space where you can wind down at the end of the day.

I also like the idea of a space that connects us to our neighborhood and the world outside our doors.

It’s also nice to have a quiet, easy spot away from the main area of the house.

:Photo SouthernLiving.com
Photo Lowes.com

So, how to have a space like that in our house? We don’t have front porch – but we do have a small room with a large window that faces the front of our house. It also faces east, so cooler at the end of the day. Hmmm. . .

You may also like Picnic in a Jar, Citron Pressé, and Easy Summer Travel Wardrobe.